What is the Maya Research Program?
The Maya Research Program (MRP) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting archaeological and ethnographic research in Latin America. Since its founding in 1992, MRP has conducted annual archaeological fieldwork in northwestern Belize, as well as ethnographic research in Yaxunah, Mexico. A central component of MRP’s archaeological research is the Blue Creek Archaeological Project (BCAP), a long-term, multidisciplinary program investigating several important Maya sites, including Blue Creek, Grey Fox, Nojol Nah, Tulix Mul, Tz’unun, and Xnoha. (You can explore many of MRP’s publications here.)
Over more than three decades, MRP has investigated, documented, and worked to conserve numerous Maya sites in northwestern Belize. More than 3,000 students and volunteers from around the world have participated in this ongoing research, contributing to archaeological discoveries while gaining practical experience in field research. The current BCAP research team includes faculty members and graduate students from more than a dozen universities worldwide, representing a broad range of archaeological, anthropological, and scientific specialties. Many members of the research team are recognized scholars in their respective fields.
MRP’s research and educational programs have received support from organizations including the Archaeological Institute of America, National Geographic Society, National Science Foundation, Humanities Texas, the Heinz Foundation, the Explorer's Club, and the American Council of Learned Societies. MRP’s commitment to public outreach has also been recognized through the Archaeological Institute of America’s Excavation Outreach Contest award.
The MRP welcomes participants from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of experience, from university students preparing for careers in archaeology to professionals, educators, and lifelong learners interested in archaeology and anthropology. Participants range in age from 18 to over 80 and work alongside professional researchers in archaeological excavation, documentation, artifact analysis, conservation, and other aspects of field research. Approximately half of MRP participants are university students under the age of 30, while the remainder includes professionals and retirees.
MRP’s influence extends beyond the field seasons themselves. Many alumni have continued into professional careers in archaeology, anthropology, and related disciplines, with some returning to MRP projects to conduct research for graduate theses and dissertations. For others, participation provides an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Maya civilization while gaining firsthand experience with the methods used to investigate and interpret the archaeological record.
Through its continued commitment to research, education, and preservation, the Maya Research Program contributes to the documentation and study of Maya civilization while providing opportunities for students, volunteers, and researchers to participate in meaningful archaeological research. This combination of long-term fieldwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and education remains central to MRP’s mission.
Contact Information
Address: Maya Research Program: 1912 East Southeast Loop 323 #296; Tyler, Texas 75701
Phone: 817-831-9011
Email: mrpinquiries@gmail.com